Snow Removal

​How We Plow.

We all know how unpredictable the winter weather can be here in Missoula. The City Street Division has developed a Snow Removal Priority Plan to establish how each street is plowed. The Priorities are shown on the Snow Plowing Map.

The plan divides the city streets into three categories, Priority 1, Priority 2, and Priority 3 streets. The priorities are selected on the basis of traffic volumes, steepness of hills, public transit routes, proximity to schools, access to businesses, and low-volume residential streets. On the total 319 miles of city streets, 76 miles (24%) are Priority 1 routes. Priority 2 and 3 routes equal almost 114 miles (36%).

The goal is to have all Priority 1 and Priority 2 streets and school and public transit routes plowed and deiced or sanded by 7:30 a.m. prior to the morning rush hour traffic. This goal is contingent upon the magnitude and duration of any snow event. The secondary goal is to have all remaining priority streets plowed within three working days. Non-priority streets are typically low-volume residential streets, which are only plowed if 4" of snow accumulation is present upon completion of priorities.

What Should Residents Do?

Effective snow removal and plowing of snow on city streets is a cooperative effort of both the city street crews and local residents. The city depends on individuals to remove the plowed berms in front of driveways or cars. We understand that clearing berms is inconvenient, but it is unfortunately a byproduct of snow plowing.

Individuals are required to place their shoveled / plowed snow on their own property and not in the bike lanes or the street. This is in accordance to the Missoula Municipal Code.

The city recognizes that snow plowing may block some driveways and that it leaves berms around parked cars. Individuals are required to remove berms from your driveways, mailboxes and cars.

If possible please refrain from parking on the main street if possible. Your cooperation helps keep the streets safe for travel.